First Report of a Quaternary Crocodylian from a Cave Deposit in Northern Puerto Rico

Abstract

The first occurrence of crocodylians from the Quaternary of mainland Puerto Rico is reported from a cave in northern Puerto Rico: this record expands the distribution of crocodylians eastward in the Caribbean region during this period. The occurrence of crocodylians in the Quaternary of Puerto Rico adds another taxon to the current list of extinct fauna of the island. The collection location of four mammalian species, four reptiles, and two amphibians, is also shown on the first published map of this site, called Cueva Salida (Exit Cave). The fossil assemblage supports both previous interpretation of more xeric conditions in the area and a probable Quaternary age for this deposit.